‘Battlefield’ erupts in Kilibwoni as KDF arrest leaves civilian shot
Residents in Kilibwoni, Nandi County, have called for an investigation and changes at the local police station after a raid to arrest a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer descended into violence, leaving a 52-year-old man with gunshot wounds.
The dramatic confrontation unfolded on Friday when police officers from Kilibwoni and Kapsabet stations moved to arrest KDF officer Emmanuel Kipkirui, who was wanted over an alleged assault involving Kilibwoni Deputy OCS Inspector Paul Ongulu.
The operation, led by Kilibwoni OCS Chief Inspector Peter Nangiro, reportedly began at a local entertainment establishment where Kipkirui was located.
According to police at Kapsabet Police Station, the situation rapidly deteriorated after the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and patrons intervened.
Police said the crowd switched off the lights at the premises before turning on the officers, allegedly throwing stones and bottles as they attempted to prevent Kipkirui from being taken into custody.
Officers responded by firing live ammunition into the air and deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to the police account.
The confrontation spilled beyond the entertainment premises as businesses in the surrounding trading centre reportedly closed amid the unrest.
It was during the confrontation that Julius Malel, 52, was shot in the right thigh and the back of his right hand.
Malel was initially taken to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital before being transferred to a specialised medical facility in Eldoret for further treatment. He was reported to be in stable condition.
Residents, however, have challenged the police account of events and accused officers of using excessive force during the operation.
Local residents Eunice Chemelil and Wilson Tuwei were among those who condemned the police response, arguing that the incident had turned the normally busy trading centre into a scene of chaos.
The police, meanwhile, maintain that their officers came under a violent attack from the crowd. Several officers were reportedly injured, while a police vehicle was heavily damaged during the confrontation.
Mob targets officer’s home
The violence did not end at the shopping centre.
After the shooting, an angry crowd reportedly moved to the rental home of Inspector Ongulu, the officer allegedly assaulted by Kipkirui.
According to the account provided, the mob broke into the house, damaged windows and household property and stole electronic equipment.
The Kilibwoni-Lessos road was subsequently barricaded with burning materials as the unrest continued into the night.
The confrontation has also revived broader complaints from some residents about the conduct of police officers in the area.
Some locals allege that certain officers have repeatedly harassed operators of entertainment establishments. Those allegations have not been independently established.
Calls for police transfers
Community members are now calling on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene.
Residents are demanding the transfer of officers currently stationed at Kilibwoni Police Station and want the officer accused of shooting Malel to face criminal proceedings.
The demands come as authorities prepare to take Kipkirui to court.
He is expected to be arraigned on Monday over the allegations that led to the police operation.
The circumstances surrounding Malel’s shooting, including the precise sequence of events and the identity of the officer who fired the shot, are likely to come under scrutiny as investigations continue.
For residents, the incident has left questions over the use of force during the arrest operation, while police authorities are expected to account for the injuries to officers and damage caused during the confrontation.
Malel remains hospitalised in stable condition as the community awaits further developments.
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